The US Trump administration has levied a flat 27% tariff on Indian goods with some exemptions. Here how domestic players have been impacted.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday morning (IST) announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs, with a 27 per cent levy on all goods imported from India. While the decision is expected to disrupt several key Indian industries, some sectors might find unexpected advantages amid the shifting trade landscape.

What does India export, import from the US?

India’s primary exports to the US include pharmaceuticals, telecom equipment, gemstones, petroleum products, gold jewellery, and ready-made cotton garments. On the import side, key commodities include crude oil, coal, petroleum products, electric machinery, and aerospace components.

Hardest-hit Indian sectors

Among the worst affected by the 27 per cent tariff are India’s electronics and gems and jewellery sectors. The US imports nearly $14 billion worth of electronics and over $9 billion worth of gems and jewellery from India, making these industries particularly vulnerable.

Prior to this hike, Washington’s tariffs on Indian electronic goods averaged just 0.41 per cent, while jewellery and gem products faced duties of around 2.12 per cent.

Auto parts and aluminium exports, however, remain outside the scope of the latest 26 per cent levy, though they continue to be subject to the previously announced 25 per cent tariff.

Sectors exempt from Trump tariff

Pharmaceutical products and energy exports, which collectively account for nearly $9 billion in trade, have been exempted from the new tariff structure, bawd on an executive order signed by Trump. Trump had earlier said the pharma industry would face tariffs, hinting that levies could appear in the future.

• Copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber
• Bullion: Precious metals like gold and silver are exempt.
• Energy and minerals: Certain energy products and minerals that aren’t available in the US will also be excluded.

Indian textiles may see advantage

India may be in a relatively advantageous position when compared to other nations. Vietnam faces a staggering 46 per cent tariff on its textile exports, while Bangladesh and China are subject to 37 per cent and 34 per cent, respectively.

Given that textiles contribute only 2 per cent to India’s gross domestic product (GDP), compared to 11 per cent for Bangladesh and 15 per cent for Vietnam, the impact on India’s overall economy may be milder.

How India fares against competitors

The Ministry of Commerce on Thursday said that while they were still analysing the impact of the tariffs, it was a “mixed bag and not a setback for India,” reported news agency PTI.

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) reiterated the sentiment, adding that India is in a better position than many other trading partners. FIEO Director General and CEO Ajay Sahai told news agency PTI, “We have to assess the impact, but looking at the reciprocal tariffs imposed on other countries, we are in a lower band.”

Other Asian economies have been hit even harder, with China’s overall export tariff to the US standing at 34 per cent, Japan at 24 per cent, Thailand at 36 per cent, Malaysia at 24 per cent, Taiwan at 32 per cent, and South Korea at 25 per cent. Vietnam has been hit the hardest with a 46 per cent tariff. These higher tariff rates could create new trade opportunities for Indian exporters.

US-India bilateral trade agreement

The US currently has a $46 billion trade deficit with India. Tariff disparities have been a longstanding issue between the two nations. The two nations are currently negotiating bilateral trade agreements which could provide relief from these tariffs in the future.

Author Credits- Vasudha Mukherjee, Business Standard

A new report from Ti Insight has revealed that the global e-commerce and e-fulfillment market is set to grow by 15.5% in 2025, despite President Trump’s intention to abolish the de minimis rules and impose tariffs on imports.

The Global E-commerce Logistics and E-fulfilment report suggests that the market has regained its sharp upward trajectory following a post-Covid contraction in 2022 and was valued at €521.9bn (US$569bn) in 2024 – double the market value recorded just before the pandemic in 2019.

Paul Chapman, the senior editor at Ti, remarked, “The continued growth in the e-commerce logistics and e-fulfillment sector highlights the ongoing expansion of e-commerce within global retail. We are now witnessing a significant differentiation between providers of e-commerce logistics and fulfillment players across continents, as they adapt to the delivery requirements of retailers and customers.”

The sharp increase suggests renewed consumer confidence, potentially driven by improved economic conditions, advances in digital infrastructure and the continued shift toward online shopping.

In terms of regional performance, the Asia-Pacific region has grown at a slightly faster rate than either North America or Europe, with 11% growth since 2020 compared with 10% for North America and 8% for Europe.

Chapman concluded, “Although President Trump’s policies on trade and tariffs have introduced significant uncertainty into the market, the sector shows no signs of being blown off course. Consumer habits have transformed, and this will power domestic and cross-border e-commerce and fulfillment needs for years to come.”

Author Credits- Hazel King, Parcel and Postal technology International

Airports provide lucrative space for retailers into duty-free and duty-paid goods, luxury brands and travel essentials

The duty-free shops at airport arrivals in India do more business than their peers at departure, and the highest-selling category in arrivals has been liquor

Adani Group, through its airport operations, is expanding into the duty-free retail sector, aiming to increase non-aero revenue, with a focus on both domestic and international expansion, including acquiring a stake in a French duty-free company and setting up duty-free shops at Macau International Airport.

Between 2025 and 2035, the airport retailing market is predicted to grow as global air passenger traffic rises, and more tourism and disposable income among the traveling population leads to increased travel and spending at duty free and retail outlets.

Airports have evolved into significant commercial hubs as they present a lucrative space for retailers looking to sell duty-free and duty-paid goods, luxury brands and travel essentials.

These trends, along with improved passenger experiences, digital transformation in airport retail, and increased penetration of Omni channel retailing strategies further drive the growth of market.

Moreover, AI-empowered customer analytics, dynamic inventory management, and hyper-personalisation of recommendations are assisting retailers to increase sales and drive engagement. As the shopping experience becomes more focussed on seamless experiences, airports are using innovative technology to blend offline and online retail spaces to create shopping experiences that are interactive and convenient for travellers.

The airport retailing market was estimated at around $37.23 billion in 2025 and is expected to hit $107.6 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 11.2 per cent. Increasing demand for premium and exclusive products, together with improved digital payment mechanisms and personalised shopping experiences, is boosting market growth. Moreover, the advent of AI and AR in retail operations is transforming the airport shopping scene, streamlining transactions, and elevating product interactions.

The India Travel Retail Market size is estimated at $2.03 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach $5.40 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 21.59 per cent during the forecast period (2024-2029). This market has been growing steadily over the years. As people’s income rise, India’s position as a business powerhouse and tourist destination will also continue to solidify, leading to the growth and prosperity of this industry.

A combination of a large and growing population, increasing air connectivity, inbound tourism, and the growing disposable incomes and propensity to travel internationally by India’s middle class are some of the major factors fuelling the growth of India’s travel retail market.

Nearly 80 per cent of the country’s duty-free shoppers are Indians which is quite unlike other markets in the Asia Pacific, such as Korea or Thailand, where most duty-free sales are from international travellers. However, this is likely to change with the growth in international tourism in the country. While India accounts for only 10.7 per cent of the Asia Pacific region’s total international tourist arrivals, its year-on-year growth rate has been well above the region’s average in recent years.

Nearly 50 per cent of an international airport’s revenue is generated from duty-free and travel retail activities. In terms of sheer size and range that is offered, the duty-free retail areas at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai are nothing less than high-end malls.

The largest duty-free area in India is currently operated by Mumbai Duty-Free at Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), followed by New Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which is operated by New Delhi Duty-Free Services (DDFS).

Apart from the product variety offered at the duty-free stores, the promotional and other offers attract Indian consumers. The duty-free shops at airport arrivals in India do more business than their peers at departure, and the highest-selling category in arrivals has been liquor. This is primarily because the prices offered on liquor at duty-free shops are extremely competitive. In fact, arrivals account for the lion’s share of the business at duty-free shops as inbound travellers like to pick up items on their way back to the city.

The Indian travel retail market is relatively competitive, with several international and domestic brands present in the market, including Dufry, Lotte, The Shilla, Delhi Duty-Free, and Flemigo Travel Retail. The increasing focus on offering a diverse and wide range of products may enable the vendors to attract a large number of consumers and gain large market shares. The adoption of innovative promotional campaigns and attractive price offerings may help the players sustain the competition in the India travel retail market. Even then, room for growth still exists. Some forecasters expect India’s domestic traffic to double by 2030 (when it reaches 300 million domestic passengers).

International travel is projected to more than double by then (reaching 160 million passengers), which will nevertheless amount to less than a third of the country’s 1.4 billion people.

Author Credits- Vincent Fernandes, BIZZ Buzz

Big changes are coming to how South Africa handles imported goods, and if you love scoring deals from sites like Shein and Temu, you might want to pay attention. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is moving to scrap over 140 tax breaks and simplified customs processes that made importing cheaper and easier.

This would mean the end of a long-standing concession that allowed small shipments or shipments under R500 to be taxed at a flat 20% rate with no VAT—an advantage that helped international e-commerce giants keep prices low.

Local businesses have long argued that these concessions put them at a disadvantage. While Shein and Temu benefited from the flat-rate duty, South African retailers importing similar goods faced standard import duties of up to 45% plus VAT. The removal of these concessions, SARS claims, will level the playing field by ensuring that all businesses are subject to the same tax structure.

Import and export concessions are essentially special allowances that reduce taxes, duties, or administrative requirements for businesses engaged in cross-border trade. These policies have historically been used to stimulate industries, ease logistics, and attract investment. However, SARS has determined that many of these concessions are outdated, with some dating back 20 years and no longer aligning with current economic and trade policies.

Beyond e-commerce, the removal of these concessions will impact several industries. Wine exporters in Cape Town, perishable goods traders, and duty-free shops at OR Tambo International Airport have all benefited from reduced bureaucratic requirements and tax exemptions. With these benefits being phased out, businesses may experience delays, increased costs, and logistical challenges that could ultimately affect consumers.

SARS justifies this overhaul as part of its plan to align South Africa’s customs policies with international standards, particularly the World Customs Organisation (WCO) clearance guidelines. While the decision is official, businesses have until mid-April to provide feedback, offering a narrow window for potential revisions.

This policy shift also comes at a time when South African consumers are already dealing with price increases in various industries. Even local companies, such as MultiChoice’s DStv and Showmax, have announced price hikes due to an upcoming VAT increase in May. As the cost of imports rises, consumers may need to prepare for further financial strain in the months ahead.

Author Credits- Louis Eriakha, Techloy

DHL Group has acquired 100% of specialist life sciences courier company Cryopdp and formed a strategic partnership with Cryoport Inc. to strengthen supply chain services for the global life sciences and healthcare sectors.

According to DHL, the acquisition builds on its established life sciences and healthcare business – which generated €5bn (US$5.4bn) revenue in 2024 – and will enhance its capabilities in specialized pharma logistics.

The strategic partnership with Cryoport will bring together DHL’s global health logistics capabilities with Cryoport’s expertise in providing specialized solutions in a fast-growing life science and healthcare market segment. It also deepens DHL’s relationship with all the Cryoport business units with respect to specialized pharma.

Oscar de Bok, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, stated, “The acquisition of Cryopdp is a pivotal move for our supply chain business as we aim to expand our pharma specialized network to meet the evolving needs of clinical trials, biopharma and cell and gene therapies, in addition to increasing our footprint in the conventional pharma and life science healthcare segment.

“The acquisition of Cryopdp and the extended partnership with Cryoport Inc. will enable us to deliver integrated end-to-end solutions, enhancing our service capabilities.”

Jerrell Shelton, CEO of Cryoport, added, “We are indeed pleased to build on our trusted relationship with the DHL Group. Working together, we will bring an enhanced set of supply chain solutions to meet companies’ and patients’ critical supply chain needs.

“This strategic partnership taps into the strong expertise of DHL Supply Chain and Cryopdp, presenting a substantial opportunity for Cryoport to expand its reach to global growth markets such as Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa.”

Author Credits – Hazel King, Parcel and Postal technology International

Nykaa Fashion, an omnichannel fashion retailer has strengthened its brand portfolio by partnering with global lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret.

With this partnership, Victoria’s Secret lingerie, sleepwear & athleisure range will be available to Indian consumers through Nykaa’s website, mobile app and stores across India.

The collection includes bras, panties, lace sets, silky robes, pyjama sets, leggings, sports bras, tank tops, and sweatshirts.

Commenting on the partnership, Adwaita Nayar, CEO of Nykaa Fashion in a statement said, “We are excited to embark on a new chapter with the iconic Victoria’s Secret, now joining the Nykaa Fashion family. This collaboration isn’t just about bringing a globally renowned brand to India – it’s about reshaping how our consumers experience fashion.”

Abhishek Bajpai, CEO of Apparel Group India added, “Our collaboration with Nykaa Fashion to expand Victoria’s Secret in India marks a strategic step in solidifying our position in the Indian fashion market. Through this partnership, we aim to connect with a broader audience and serve the fashion-forward generation, all while staying committed to our core principles of quality, style, and innovation.”

Victoria’s Secret retails in India through UAE-based fashion and lifestyle conglomerate Apparel Group. The brand has launched a number of exclusive brand outlets across the country’s metros and also operates its own e-commerce store.

Author Credits – Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

British consumer goods giant Unilever has just acquired the acquisition of Wild, the UK-based personal care brand launched in 2020 by Charlie Bowes-Lyon and Freddy Ward. While the financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, Sky News previously estimated the deal to be valued at £230 million (€275 million).

Founded as a digitally native vertical brand, Wild has made a name for itself with a range of deodorants, lip balms, and body care products crafted from naturally derived ingredients, packaged in reusable aluminium cases and recycled plastics. The brand is currently the market leader in refillable deodorants in the UK.

In 2023, Wild reported £47 million in revenue, representing 77% year-over-year growth, according to Sky News.

“Wild’s innovative approach to formulation, packaging, and social-led marketing makes it a stand-out brand that perfectly complements our personal care portfolio,” said Fabian Garcia, president of Unilever Personal Care.

Unilever’s Personal Care division, which includes household names such as Dove and Axe, generated nearly €13.6 billion in revenue.

In 2024, Unilever reported total revenues of €60.8 billion, reflecting a nearly 2% increase compared to the previous year.

Author Credits – Sarah Ahssen, FASHION NETWORK

New regulations aim to enhance shipping services and protect consumer rights in the growing e-commerce sector.

The General Authority for Transport in Saudi Arabia has announced a significant new regulation aimed at improving the quality of shipping and delivery services across the Kingdom. As part of a comprehensive effort to enhance customer satisfaction and protect the rights of beneficiaries, the authority will impose a financial fine of no less than 5,000 Saudi Riyals on shipping companies that fail to deliver shipments to the agreed-upon locations or that are late in their deliveries.

This initiative comes in response to the rapid growth of the shipping and logistics sector, which has expanded dramatically due to the rise of e-commerce. With the increasing demand for reliable delivery services, the General Authority for Transport recognizes the need to address ongoing challenges, such as delays in delivery and non-compliance with specified delivery locations.

Saleh Al-Zowayed, the official spokesperson for the General Authority for Transport, explained that the new executive regulations require shipping companies to utilize the national address system in all delivery operations. This requirement aims to enhance the accuracy of deliveries and improve overall service quality. Al-Zowayed stated, “In the event of a driver or company failing to comply with this requirement and instead asking customers for their locations, a fine of up to 5,000 Saudi Riyals will be enforced.” This measure is designed to minimize errors and delays that arise from not using the national address, ultimately improving the efficiency of delivery operations.

To ensure that beneficiaries can easily report any violations by shipping companies, the General Authority for Transport has established multiple channels for communication. Beneficiaries can contact a unified number, 19929, to submit complaints or inquiries about shipping services. Additionally, they can send feedback through a dedicated email, use WhatsApp by messaging 0507363133, or submit complaints via the authority’s official website using available electronic forms. These efforts are intended to enhance transparency and accountability within the sector.

The implementation of this regulation is particularly timely, as the shipping and delivery sector has seen significant growth. The rise in e-commerce has led to an increased demand for reliable delivery services, making it essential for companies to adhere to agreed-upon standards and timelines. The General Authority for Transport’s new measures are expected to foster competition among shipping companies, encouraging them to improve their services and meet customer expectations.

Furthermore, the authority’s decision is seen as a strategic move to bolster the transport sector in the Kingdom. By enforcing these regulations, the General Authority for Transport aims to enhance the level of reliability and transparency in shipping and delivery services. This initiative not only aims to protect the rights of consumers but also reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to digital transformation and economic development.

In light of these developments, the shipping sector is poised for a transformation that prioritizes customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Companies that fail to comply with the new regulations will face financial repercussions, which may serve as a catalyst for change in the industry.

As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, the General Authority for Transport remains dedicated to ensuring that the shipping and delivery sector keeps pace with the demands of consumers. The newly imposed fines are a clear message to shipping companies that adherence to standards is not optional, but rather a necessity for success in today’s competitive market.

In summary, the General Authority for Transport’s new regulations signify a pivotal moment for the shipping and delivery sector in Saudi Arabia. With the enforcement of financial penalties for non-compliance, the authority is taking a firm stance on improving service quality and protecting consumer rights. As the sector adapts to these changes, it will be essential for companies to embrace the national address system and prioritize timely deliveries to maintain customer trust and satisfaction.

As the authority continues to monitor the effectiveness of these regulations, it is expected that feedback from consumers and industry stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping future policies aimed at enhancing the logistics sector in Saudi Arabia.

Author Credits- THE PINNACLE GAZETTE

Guess Jeans announced on Monday a new creative partnership with Japanese multi-hyphenate artist Verdy.

Recognized as a creative pioneer in Japan, Verdy is set to reimagine and enhance the Guess Jeans global universe, bringing a new energy into the brand’s expansion in Japan.

“I’ve had the pleasure to know and be friends with Verdy over the years. I’ve always admired his kindness and ability to bring a fun and playful element to everything he touches,” said chief new business development officer Nicolai Marciano.

“Pursuing a major shift in our strategy in Japan, which is now focused through a Guess Jeans lens, I felt strongly about bringing Verdy in for this exciting new chapter.”

Since 2023, Guess Jeans has cultivated an ongoing relationship with Verdy through a series of activations across Paris and Osaka.

His portfolio includes projects such as Girls Don’t Cry and Wasted Youth, along with his beloved characters Vick and Visty. He has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Human Made, Kenzo, Beats by Dre, McDonald’s, Instagram, and Dover Street Market. Verdy has also held prominent roles as the artistic director for ComplexCon Long Beach 2022, ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024, and Blackpink’s Born Pink tour.

“I’m excited to be working with Guess Jeans and my good friend, Nicolai. I’ve always respected how much passion he and his family have put into the brand. Guess has so much history and culture and I’m happy to be a part of it,” added Verdy.

Most recently, Marciano, who has been instrumental in Guess Jeans’ global expansion, curated key brand activations in 2024, launched flagship stores in Amsterdam and Berlin, and led the brand’s entry into India through a partnership with Tata Unistore.

Looking ahead, Guess Jeans is set to open flagship stores in Tokyo and Los Angeles.

Author Credits: Jennifer Braun, FASHION NETWORK